Last week, I found what appears to be an nice large, old wagon or carriage frame at a homesite in the Sugarlands area below Bullhead. If you look closely in the top right corner of the 1st photo, you can see an old fencepost. The area to the right of the fencepost appeared to be the location of a barn or other large outbuilding. There were probably at least 10 or more fenceposts in the area near the barn.

I love old black & white photos….especially with people as the subject.

I’m not sure why. Maybe it's because a picture gives you insight into a person that you just don’t get when you read something about them. It’s kinda like when you listen to someone tell a story as compared to reading that same story. A good storyteller can bring his story to ‘life’ – make it…

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Good evening Doug, When I received your friend request, I wondered if maybe you were someone that I had met before. In looking over some of your blogs, I was especially pleased to see the one on Clon Ownby. I knew he and his sisters - Myrtle and Zelma very well. In fact I still have a "syrup" pan and some millstones that I got from Clon many years ago. They were a delight to know. I also saw Sarah Ball's name on some of the pictures and Sarah and I have many very good connections. Her Father was a "fatherfigure" to me for many years and her mother-in-law is a first cousin to my mother. You must remember that we mountain folks were almost always "kin". Anyway, it is nice to be your friend and I look forward to hearing from you.

Hi Doug...Everything is fine, except for my knees! Don't get out on the trails much with arthritis. I'll be happy to answer any questions about that book. I picked up my copy a few years ago at River Sports on Sutherland Ave here in Knoxville. It's basically a collection of columns from a newspaper reporter in Maryville. Among other areas of the Park, he has some really good information of the areas along Newfound Gap Road, from Sugarlands Visitor Center to Chimneys Picnic Area.

Hey Doug...not sure I could offer much more knowledge than you already have; however, I'm always glad to go along on a hike...that's why I joined up here b/c it seems like it's getting harder and harder to find folks who are willing to hike.

Oh not a problem at all...most of my communication occurs in misunderstandings-ask my wife! Have you seen the local TV story done about 3 years ago where Glenn Cardwell talks about the history of Pittman Center?

Doug, my Father's name was Gene Brackin, he was the youngest son of Riley Davis Brackin Jr. His sister, Bessie was born at the Andy Brackin cabin across from the Indian Gap Hotel in your story. Her children still live in Townsend, TN. Great story and pictures where do you find most of your information?

Hey Doug! We like going to RRG alot! It's less than 2 hrs from home. We have only eaten at Subway down there. We usually take our food and camp somewhere! It is a beautiful place to visit! We will have to try the pizza place sometime.

PS I just noticed in one of the other posts that the photo was copied from Smokykin. I did update David Beckwith there with the information on the family because there was quite a bit of confusion as to who John's parents were (Henry Harvey Barnes and Catherine Caldwell) - and also about Nancy Whaley (she was Ira Whaley and Susannah King's daughter). So I worked with him to straighten that out. Dick did say I could put the photo there as well :-) I think it's a great photo - and wish I could find one like that for John's sister, Rachel Barnes and James Messer. If you have any other questions on the family you can message me and I will do my best to find an answer.